Writing
“Smelling Things: Essential Oils and Essentialism in Contemporary American Spirituality”
Religion and American culture
Fall 2021
Contemporary yogis, evangelical Christians, and witches have incorporated essential oils and their aromas into practices as diverse as yoga, meditation, prayer, Bible reading, anointing, and spellcasting in the United States over the past forty years. These groups often view each other with alarm, yet they tread common ground in utilizing essential oils to intensify varied spiritual practices. This article answers two related questions. How do spiritually diverse practitioners justify using the same consumer products to amplify their practices, and why are essential oils considered sacred by these same consumers? Drawing from a diverse archive of essential oil use guides, marketing materials, and social media posts, I argue that spiritual “oilers” are (1) perennialists who mythologize ancient uses of scent to authenticate their postmodern embodied practices, and (2) essentialists who believe that essential oils contain universal, transcendent properties.
“Doubters’ Push for religious exemptions from coronavirus vaccination may not work”
The Washington Post // Made By History
September 20, 2021
Historical perspective on religious exemptions to coronavirus vaccination mandates exploring the dilemma of how to judge sincerity of belief.
“Stop dismissing all vaccine skeptics as anti-science conspiracy theorists”
Los angeles times
December 20, 2020
An op-ed arguing that public health officials should approach the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines with vaccine skeptics in mind using a few important strategies.
“Manifesting Millions: How Women’s Spiritual Entrepreneurship Genders Capitalism”
Nova Religio
November 2020
This article explores the logics and rhetoric of women’s spiritual entrepreneurship in three prominent categories where these discourses are found: multi-level marketing, self-help products and guides, and women’s business coaching. Examples from each of these categories demonstrate how women’s spiritual entrepreneurship operates in the contemporary United States through shared ideals and religious practices.
“why some vaccine skeptics are fighting covid-19 restrictions”
Religion & Politics
June 16, 2020
An article exploring the religious logics that cause some vaccine skeptics to oppose governmental safety restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“About Paula White”
World Religions And Spirituality Project
December 13, 2019
An encyclopedia entry about American evangelical pastor Paula White, including discussion of her religious beliefs, the prosperity gospel, and her role as spiritual advisor to President Donald Trump.
“Marianne Williamson’s unorthodox campaign”
Religion & Politics, August 13, 2019
An article about self-help author Marianne Williamson’s presidential run for the 2020 Democratic ticket that explores the roots of her spiritual beliefs and teachings.
“About Marianne Williamson”
World Religions And Spirituality Project
July 24, 2019
An encyclopedia entry about American self-help author and spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson, including discussion of her life, religious beliefs, and presidential run.
“Why I didn’t march for you: how evangelicals are reframing antifeminism post-trump”
Feminist Studies in Religion Blog
March 23, 2017
An analysis of evangelical Christian’s antifeminist rhetoric on social media in response to the Trump 2016 election and the Women’s March days of action.